By Andrea Holloway, CAN Pathway Coordinator
Every day at Royal Bournemouth Hospital brings a new opportunity to make a difference. As a Pathway Coordinator, my role is all about helping patients transition smoothly from hospital to home. It’s a job that blends logistics, compassion, and collaboration. No two days are ever the same.
Starting the day: Priorities and planning
My mornings begin with a quick scan of emails to identify any urgent discharge requests. I update my to-do list and calendar, making sure all meetings and patient consultations are accounted for. Organisation is key, especially when juggling multiple referrals and coordinating with various teams.
Teamwork across departments
I check in with different hospital teams to gather new referrals and discuss patient updates. A big part of my day involves visiting the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC). These are fast-paced environments where I collect referrals, answer questions, and ensure staff know I’m available to support them.
Patient-centered support
Referrals come in throughout the day. Some are direct, others are grant-based, but each one is unique. I either visit patients on the wards or call them if they’re already in the community. These conversations help me understand their needs and arrange the right support, whether that’s a deep clean at home, mobility equipment, or signposting to local services.
One challenging moment involved a patient who had both hearing and vision impairments. We couldn’t communicate in the usual ways, so I wrote messages in large letters on a notepad. It was a simple solution, but it made a huge difference in helping them feel heard and supported.
Collaboration is key
Behind every successful discharge is a network of professionals. I work closely with healthcare staff, social workers, suppliers, charities, and family members to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Once everything is arranged, I update the patient or their carer—either in person, by phone, or by letter. My support doesn’t end there. I stay in touch to make sure patients feel confident and safe as they reintegrate into their communities.
Tracking impact
Every action I take is recorded in our database. This helps us measure effectiveness, document outcomes, and highlight the cost savings we bring to the NHS. It’s rewarding to see the tangible impact of our work.
Virtual support across Dorset
Once a week, I also monitor the Virtual Hub, which offers remote support to over 600 healthcare and frontline professionals across the BCP/Dorset area. It’s a vital resource that ensures staff have the guidance and tools they need, no matter where they are.
Why I love what I do
What I appreciate most about my role is the variety and the people. Every day is different, and I get to work alongside dedicated colleagues in a supportive, collaborative environment. Together, we help patients regain their independence and return home with dignity and care. To me, every single patient could be one of my parents, I know the care and support I would want for them, so I ensure I can give that support to the patients I meet daily.
